Reports to: Managing Director Operations
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Head Office – New Westminster
About the Role
Working closely with the Managing Director, the Senior Director, Bargaining and Services is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for member representation advocacy and servicing, labour relations, collective bargaining and related programs.
This position ensures the effective delivery of high-quality services to members while advancing the objectives and priorities of UFCW 1518.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Balancing operational requirements with long-term organizational priorities, provide insight into the development of departmental short-term and long-term planning
- Monitor emerging trends, legislative developments, and industry best practices affecting unionized workplaces and collective bargaining
- Provide expert advice and recommendations to senior leadership and elected officers on bargaining, labour relations, and member services matters
Member Servicing
- Interpret collective agreements with high levels of care and precision, ensuring consistent, risk-informed application across all member representation activities
- Manage labour relations and engagement with employer representatives and key interest holders, influencing outcomes through credibility, expertise, and strategic communication
- Oversee complex grievance files, settlements, arbitrations, investigations, and workplace disputes to ensure strong representation and timely resolution
- Attend arbitrations, mediations, investigations and fact-finding meetings to ensure matters are properly advanced and documented.
- Represent and engage with a variety of members, ensuring the employer’s standards and policies are upheld
- Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, operational effectiveness, and member engagement
Collective Bargaining
- Lead and oversee your team through the collective bargaining cycle, intervening at
critical stages to achieve positive outcomes.
People Management
- Fosters a culture of collaboration, responsiveness, accountability, and inclusion.
- Provide strategic leadership to a high performing team of Union Representatives, setting clear expectations, encouraging accountability, and fostering a culture of inclusion
- Support staff navigating challenging workplace situations, member concerns, high pressure files, and day-to-day operational issues
- Respond to complaints and performance concerns, where necessary
- Conduct performance management, coaching, and discipline processes when necessary, while fostering a respectful and positive team culture
Financial and Operational Management
- Assist with the development and oversight of departmental operational plans, budgets and resource requirements
- Monitor performance metrics and ensure objectives related to service quality, volume, timelines, and outcomes are achieved
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, collective agreements, legislation, and departmental standards
- Recommend operational improvements to support organizational goals Stakeholder Relations
- Build and maintain effective relationships with elected leaders, members, employers, legal counsel, and other internal and external stakeholders
- Represent UFCW in meetings, negotiations, committees, conferences, and public forums as required
Qualifications and Competencies
- 5–7+ years of experience in labour relations, including managing complex grievance files, bargaining, workplace investigations, mediations, and arbitrations, with precision and a risk-informed approach.
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent, with advanced studies in collective bargaining, labour law, labour/industrial relations, arbitration, employment law, and/or HR.
- Demonstrated senior-level experience as a lead negotiator, with the ability to oversee a team through the full bargaining cycle and intervene effectively at critical stages.
- Ability to contribute to operational planning and budgets, to monitor performance metrics, and to ensure compliance with policies and legislation.
- Skilled at building effective relationships with key stakeholders and comfortable representing the organization in negotiations and other forums.
- Thorough knowledge of BC and Canadian Labour Relations Code and related legislation, including collective agreements and grievance procedures.
- Experience leading, mentoring, and supervising employees, with a track record of building positive team culture and supporting performance development.
- Strong ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering on team support and member service expectations.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, CRMs, and record management systems.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as required.
- Fluency in a second language is an asset..
Why UFCW 1518?
UFCW 1518 values our team’s meaningful contributions and unmatched expertise that are integral to achieving our ambitious goals. As a member of our team, you can expect:
- Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience
- Salary range $128,500-142,500 annually
- Extended health, dental, group life, LTD and ADD plans that values the well-being of
you and your family
- Eligibility for our Pension Plan to ensure financial security down the road
- Generous paid time-off, starting with 20 vacation days, accrued personal time off,
and statutory holidays to prioritize work-life balance
Join the fight for fairness and make a meaningful difference in the lives of working people!
How to Apply
If this sounds like what you’re looking for in your next opportunity, we want to hear from you! Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to [email protected] today.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
UFCW 1518 is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. People with disabilities, BIPOC, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ2S+ people are encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process by contacting [email protected].
